Licensing Bill—Compensation for Goodwill.

On behalf of the hon. Member for the Saffron Walden Division of Essex, I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether steps will be taken to introduce, in another place, an Amendment to the Licensing Bill securing to the licensee compensation for goodwill in event of quarter sessions refusing the renewal of a licence.

*THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE HOME DEPARTMENT (Mr. AKERSDOUGLAS,)Kent, St. Augustine's

As the hon. Member is aware, the Government have made special provision as to the interest of the licence-holder in any compensation paid in respect of the non-renewal of a licence. The hon. Member appears to desire a further definition of the elements which are to be taken into account in calculating the amount of compensation, but that is a matter for the consideration of the Commissioners of Inland Revenue under the provisions of the Bill and the Government see no necessity for any Amendment.